17 Signs You're Working With Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Whether you're battling the engine noise of jet engines or just want to block out the sound of your HVAC system at home, you'll need the most effective noise-cancelling headphones for over-ear use. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new top of the line in active noise cancellation and their predecessors are also fantastic.
We've taken into account adjustable ANC as well as touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take your headphones off). Our top picks have high-quality audio and comfortable, spacious earphones.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with improved noise cancellation and audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates a virtual cone on top of your head, blocking out a surprising amount low-frequency sound. The earphones also block mid-treble and high-treble sounds like passenger chatter as well as the sound of creaking metal and the clanging of dishware.
Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones, which can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They're able to reproduce the rise and fall of Billie Eilish's drums with astonishing depth and clarity, while also keeping edges clean and crystal clear. It's a pleasure to listen to them during a long flight or commute.
The most common controls are controlled by a capacitive touch surface on the right earcup such as play/pause, volume up/down, as well being able to skip forwards and backwards. It also allows you to answer and end calls, and switch between ANC and ambient sound mode. You can also press and hold the power key for several seconds to get a voice telling you how much battery life you have left.
Another significant improvement to the XM5s model is its new QN1 microphone that is designed to capture high-quality audio while recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than previous models and has a larger audio range which makes it easier to pick up your voice.
Other features of the XM4s have been incorporated into the XM5 and include an adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on your surroundings. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed and pauses music or video. It will resume it as soon as the headset is put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which increases the quality of compressed music to nearly hi-res quality.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s are the latest version of Sony's market-leading over-ear headphones, and even though they don't feature as much active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s do, they provide top-of-the-line performance. In addition to stronger Bluetooth and a better noise cancelling algorithm, the WH1000XM4s feature a new audio chip that can boost music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.
Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s in the latest generation by adding padding to the headband and moving the microphones outwards. This makes them more comfortable to listen to for longer periods of time.
They're also more flexible and allow you to switch between five different modes of sound depending on the surroundings. You can even tailor your EQ settings using the Sony headphones app. The app allows you to keep track of your activities and then automatically adjust the settings. They are a great choice for those who travel.
Another big improvement is the WH-1000XM4's noise cancellation which has been made more effective by increasing the sensitiveness and improving the way it eliminates low frequencies. You can examine this by looking at a graph like the one below, where higher peaks indicate more sounds are being cancelled out. The WH-1000XM4s also better attenuate low-frequency sounds like the sound of an air conditioner or the constant rumble of an airplane engine more than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that we've test.
The WH-1000XM4s are still equipped with a a great set of features such as batteries that last up to 30 hours and a built-in USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you touch the right earcup to dampen the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak to Chat can pause media when you raise your voice (and works well, although it sometimes fails to register taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze the surrounding environment to provide superior audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also known) were released in September 2017. While they have been succeeded by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 They are still popular and affordable and are worth a look if you're looking for a noise-cancelling active headphone.
The QC35 II is a great pair of wireless headphones for mixed-use. They provide an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound quality by default. They also offer exceptional noise isolation. They are ideal for traveling or in noisy environments and last more than a full day on a single charge. They can also be used with the majority of smart assistants and can be activated with the use of a specific button. You can ask them to play music, answer trivia questions or read your smartphone notifications.
The padding around the ears is large and will fit most ears. They are also light. The hinges of the housings can be folded down to make them easier to pack in a bag or a backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphones are intuitively placed and comfortable to use. A series of taps can control playback, including skipping and rewinding songs.
For a good example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones We played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to the piano parts and drum beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear sound that is smooth and precise. They reveal subtleties in the vocals, such as Paul McCartney's irregular timing when he's building to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl while he laments the individualism of teenagers. Teenagers.
The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants. It can connect to up to 2 devices at once. The QC35 II also come with a carry case and a USB cable that charges quickly.
4. best over ear headphones noise-cancelling -CH720N
Sony is a household name for its great headphones for a affordable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N headphones by Sony aren't any different. These headphones come with many of the same features as the flagship WH1000XM5 headphones, but in a more budget friendly design. They also come with a decent amount of active noise cancellation at a very low cost.
Similar to the WH1000XM5 headphones, these headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver plenty of bass and clear high frequencies. These headphones have an even sound that blends well with various genres of music. They also feature a huge, encompassing soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones use buttons for controls instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This can be a bit of an issue as the buttons can be confusing at first. The controls are strategically placed and have clear labels. Double press of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press decreases the volume. When you press and hold the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are turned down.
With ANC enabled the headphones will last for around 35 hours before running out of power. This is among the most efficient battery performance we've seen on over-ear headphones. They have a standby function to save battery.
The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices using Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a PC with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you customize your headphones by using an EQ slider, presets, and multipoint connectivity.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor and isn't an unfinished upgrade. With a sleeker design and a brand new app and a new app, they fulfill the promise of premium build quality, delivering audio that accurately conveys artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable to wear all day.
Although they aren't as good as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5, they do a very good job of removing ambient noises and ensuring that you're able to focus on your music, podcasts, or gaming on your handheld without distractions. They use a six microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a new algorithm that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They're also one of only a few Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used as passive headphones, allowing users to listen to their music without having to power up the drive units.
The B&W Music app is also compatible with a free download that offers a range of features to complement the outstanding noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the device's voice assistant to cycle through three environmental settings and display the battery's life. It's a pain to press and hold it for a long time. A single press would be more intuitive and simpler.
The PX7 S2 are an impressive pair of headphones which should delight most music fans. The PX7 S2 headphones aren't so well-suited to the demanding music genres such as metal and rock which favour bass-heavy productions and muddy low frequency as they are for folk, classical and acoustic. But, they will still impress those who value audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.